Who may apply for the Van Lunen Fellows Program

Note: We encourage you to contact us with any questions about the following requirements.

The Van Lunen Fellows Program is open to any head* of school** based in the historic Christian faith*** who:

Has been a head of school at least one full year in their current school before the Fellows Program begins, but no more than ten years (this requirement may be modified slightly in exceptional cases).

Holds a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

Has a desire to deepen managerial gifts needed for executive leadership of a faith-based school.

Agrees to fully attend all three residential sessions (July 12-17, 2015; January 18-22, 2016; and July 12-15, 2016) and to participate in an online personal assessment of skills, knowledge, and experience prior to the July 2015 session.

Commits to full participation in all Fellows' activities.

Understands that time apart from spouses, other relatives, friends, and additional school personnel is important for optimal learning; therefore, single occupancy for Fellows is required for lodging during all conference sessions.

Has a concrete idea for a school-based project that can lead to a tangible outcome by June 2015 that is described in the submitted application; has discussed this proposed project idea with a school board officer and received affirmation of it.

Has fully completed the application.

Has completed the financial aid form related to the participant fee, if such is requested.

Understands that the participant fee of $2,900 is due, after acceptance, by March 31, 2015 (or, if application is received by January 9, 2015, $2,600. If financial aid is awarded, the applicant will be notified of the resulting participant fee at the time of acceptance).

Has provided two letters of recommendation: one from a professional peer, another from an officer of the school's governing board or committee.

Notes: *This role may have a variety of titles, including superintendent or principal. Any executive leader who reports directly to a school's governing board is eligible.

**The school may include elementary, middle, and/or high school grades. Schools that are early childhood or preschool programs-only are not eligible.

Beginning with the 2015-2016 Fellows program year, heads of school who apply and are accepted into the program but change schools or position, or anticipate changing before the 2015-16 school year begins, may be asked to drop out of the program. (Examples are taking a position in which you are no longer head of school, such as teacher, vice-principal, athletic director, etc.; become head of an early-childhood or preschool program; or change from administrator of a Christian school to a public school). Each case will be judged individually with prayerful consideration; the final decision will be made by the director in conjunction with the Van Lunen faculty and accepted Fellow.